About that Grand Blue Mile…

Call me crazy, but I like taking on challenges that lead me out of my comfort zone.

Enter the 2024 Grand Blue Mile. 

Downtown Des Moines. On a sunny (and windy) Tuesday evening. Two days following a speedy 10K. Why not? 

Because Downtime Is Overrated

Sometimes, there are just too many things to do.

Often times I’m guilty of doing it all, because why not? 

This week saw a lot of fast-paced action. Admittedly, my body parts (I’m looking at you, legs) were feeling pretty wasted by weeks end, but it was a fun ride! 

Time for some Runfessions

...and, just like that, we're back 'fessing our transgressions, running and otherwise.

Are you ready?

Let's get this Runfession session underway. Let me begin...

Drake Road Races - the 10K Game-Changer

 There’s much to be said about going with your gut (and not your ego). 

Such was the case last weekend’s Drake Road Races. I made the decision to scale-down to the 10K, foregoing my 9-year half marathon streak. And I did so, surprisingly, with zero regrets or guilt. 

I registered for the half marathon back in October, well before I knew there would a house (finally) selling, another one purchased, and a stressful timeline of all things moving/relocating. In other words, my typical pre-spring training took an unexpected backseat and the probability of running 13.1 miles became unlikely. 

So This Is Spring

Spring in Iowa. 

Hmmm. It doesn’t feel like one specific “season.” It’s more like a random grab bag of all-season weather, where you don’t really know what each new day will bring. It’s definitely not boring, but it does keep us guessing on what to wear (for fitness and otherwise). 

A Race I Run Every Year

Hands down, my favorite race, every year, is DAM to DSM.

I've been trekking to Des Moines, the first weekend after Memorial Day, every year since 2008 to run this iconic race. 

Formerly known as Dam to Dam, this race was my first-ever long distance endeavor. Like a lot of distance runners, once I got a taste of that long distance finish line, I was hooked. 

Eclipsed by the Wind

 

Can you say WIND???

It's always windy in Iowa this time of year, but this past week was unbelievably gusty. As much as I love the great outdoors, even I struggled with getting my buttocks outside on the daily. Don't worry, the #OptOutside streak is still going strong...but there were a few bare minimums with my efforts due to this week's circumstances.

Fight for Air Climb - 2024 recap

When they named this event the Fight for Air Climb, they weren’t kidding!

Hot stairwells. Heavy breathing. Trashed leg muscles. But a finish line like none other. 

There’s much to love and respect about fighting for that air, all for the sake of those who need it most. Many struggle with lung health, and it’s for them that I (and numerous others) return to the stairwells every year. 

Let's Get Settled

It's all fun and games, settling into a new place, until the weather gives you attitude.

Although the week started off kind of winter-like (with the requisite cold temps, nasty precip, and blowing wind), things did turn-around by the weekend (except for said blowing wind). Oh, did I mention the wind was rather beastly and downright inappropriate?

Nonetheless, what can we do but persevere, hopefully with a smile. A sense of humor never hurts either.  

Time for a Chatty Gathering

 So, shall we chat? 

It doesn’t need to be about running, or even fitness…but who am I kidding? There’s always plenty of that with which to chat. 

Shall we get this chatty gathering started?